Apple sued by Cisco over iPhone trademark

Developing -- Apple has been sued by Cisco over trademark infringement relating to its use of the iPhone name. Cisco's LinkSys division owns the iPhone trademark and recently introduced a new product under the name. Yesterday it came out that Apple was in talks over the trademark, but those negotiations must have taken a turn for the worse sometime after Apple's official announcement.

"Cisco entered into negotiations with Apple in good faith after Apple repeatedly asked permission to use Cisco's iPhone name," said Mark Chandler, Cisco senior vice president and general counsel, in a prepared statement. "There is no doubt that Apple's new phone is very exciting, but they should not be using our trademark without our permission."

Cisco is asking a federal court for an injunction to "prevent" Apple from infringement. More soon. Just yesterday Cisco published an official statement about Apple's iPhone introduction:

Given Apple's numerous requests for permission to use Cisco's iPhone trademark over the past several years and our extensive discussions with them recently, it is our belief that with their announcement today, Apple intends to agree to the final document and public statement that were distributed to them last night and that addressed a few remaining items. We expect to receive a signed agreement today.